Glasgow schools will be growing together with new gardening scheme

Around 80 teachers with budding green fingers visited the City Chambers yesterday to find out more about the Glasgow Growing Schools project, which is being run jointly by the council’s food growing team and staff from the Royal Horticultural Society.

It is hoped that once they know how to grow, teachers will then be able to sow the seeds for a passion for gardening among the pupils in their schools.

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The initiative is being carried forward as part of the city’s overall strategy for greater participation in food growing.

Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, said: "I’m delighted we are working with RHS to help the boost the growing skills of our teachers.

"Many schools are already actively involved in growing and that’s something we want to build on.

"The Glasgow Growing Schools project is an excellent opportunity to get more young people involved in outdoor learning.

"We want to see food growing becoming an ever more common and fun part of our children’s daily lives."

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It has also been supported by a move to circulate 700 planters previously kept at Bellahouston Park nursery and used to decorate the city around 80 city schools.

Liz Stewart, RHS Community Outreach Manager, added: "The RHS is delighted to be working with Glasgow City Council on this fantastic initiative.

"Even in just a small space, it’s amazing how much fresh produce can be grown and it’s a great way for children to learn about where food comes from, get outdoors and reconnect with nature.

“Growing fruit and vegetables is the most popular gardening activity in schools - 94 per cent of RHS Campaign for School Gardening members grow their own - and teachers can sign-up for lots of free resources and advice online at schoolgardening.rhs.org.uk."